Layoff notices going to four Columbia School District teachers as board starts planning for 2013-14 budget

Three Columbia Central High School teachers and one Columbia Elementary School teacher will receive layoff notices as the Columbia School Board starts 2013-14 budgeting process.File Photo

BROOKLYN, MI – Layoff notices will be handed out to four Columbia School District teachers in a continuing attempt to right-size the district’s budget.

The layoffs of three Columbia Central High School teachers and one Columbia Elementary School teacher were approved by the district’s school board Monday, May 13.

The district also is looking at a reduction in hours to classroom aides.

It is possible that the four teachers could be called back to their positions if the district sees enrollment gains or state funding allows, Superintendent Pam Campbell said.

“We have great teachers who are doing great things for our kids here,” Campbell said.

In December, staff concessions and other cuts helped the district overcome a nearly $260,000 budget shortfall this year. A 2013-14 budget must be in place by July 1.

Columbia still is in the initial stages of its budgeting process for next year, Campbell said. However, board members have lowered their requirements related to the district’s fund balance in an attempt to save more staff positions, she said.

In other action, the board accepted the resignation of Eric Kelly, a Columbia Central High School special education teacher, who left in April to become an assistant principal at Northwest Elementary School. Following the May 6 death of Principal Valerie Shelters, Kelly took over the principal job at the school.

Karen Wilcox, Columbia Central High School counselor, also announced she is retiring at the end of the school year. Wilcox has been with the district since 1985.